Lay of the Landscape: Mediterranean Garden Style

Earthy, lush and warmly welcoming, a Mediterranean garden can thrive in any warm-climate landscape with a few adaptations

Houzz Contributor. I'm a California-based writer and editor. While most of my projects are garden-based, you might also find be writing about home projects and classical music. Away from the computer, I'm found in the garden (naturally), on my bike, or ice-skating outdoors (yes, that is possible in California). I'm also willing to taste-test anything that's chocolate.

Houzz Contributor. I'm a California-based writer and editor. While most... More

If you live where summers are dry and hot (or at least warm) and winters are warm and wet, a Mediterranean-influenced garden can be great: It's lush, inviting and generally low maintenance, filled with drought-tolerant plants that will thrive in your climate. These gardens invite you to live outdoors year-round.

This style also allows you great flexibility, whether you want the look of a classic Italian villa or a Spanish-inspired courtyard, the vibrant colors found in the homes bordering the Adriatic and Aegean seas, or the more exotic feel of a North African retreat. There's no rule against blending these styles, either, to create something that's entirely your own.

Basics of a Mediterranean GardenThere are certain core characteristics that define Mediterranean style. First, there's an emphasis on hardscape, with patios, courtyards, low walls and overheads defining the space. You won't find vast expanses of green lawn; instead, plantings are more contained, and even the larger areas are more likely to be filled with shrubs, perennials, annuals and ground covers than fescue or bluegrass. Earth tones are the dominant colors on houses and outdoor structures, punctuated by bright accent colors like red and purple. Tile is popular, for both roofs and outdoor "floors," though large pavers, gravel and materials like decomposed granite are often used.

Plant IdeasThe plant choice is huge. Citrus, olive trees, rosemary and lavender are almost a requirement for a true Mediterranean feel, but branch out with other herbs, grasses and grasslike plants, roses, vines and even tropicals. Look for foliage that's gray-green or a deep green (rather than emerald), preferably with boldly colored flowers. Though plants that originally hailed from the region are obvious inclusions, don't overlook plants from places with a similar climate, such as Australia. And throw in some edibles; they're a time-honored tradition.

Finishing the LookThe final touches include water features, pots and other accessories. Water features are key, but not the ponds of a natural or traditional landscape. Instead, put in a small courtyard pool or a fountain, either in the center of the space or on the wall. Nothing says Mediterranean like terra-cotta pots, both large and small. Rustic and contemporary furniture styles work well in these spaces, but be sure the pieces are strong enough to hold their own. Add a table and a couple of wineglasses, and you're set.

Finally, a weathered look is key. A true Mediterranean garden is where you live, not just something you view. It should show some wear.

Look at your options. All the elements of a Mediterranean garden come together in this space. There are the adobe-colored walls and stairs, the wooden gate, the fountain, the pavers, an olive tree, gray-green plantings and the glimpse of a bright blue door. The result is distinctly Mediterranean and completely inviting.

A Spanish-style bungalow gets a fitting front yard. No lawn — instead, a tall water feature is set among adobe-color pavers edged with dymondia, a low-growing ground cover. Grasses and soft-color shrubs edge the space, allowing house color to be the single bold accent. The water column is more contemporary than traditional, but it's a good balance to the cypress on either side of the window and provides a sense of privacy in this front yard (a sense that is reinforced by the low wall that surrounds the entire space).

Another traditional Mediterranean design, this one in Greece. Whitewashed walls are traditional, as are the bold blue doors that reflect the equally bright sky. A huge bougainvillea, trained as a tree, is an equally bold satement in an otherwise simple space.

For a blend of Mediterranean looks, there's this garden overlooking the Adriatic Sea. The white walls recall Greek architecture, but the garden is filled with grasses, shrubs and flowers, including a grapevine, from around the region. Note the glimpse of the classic red tile roof.

This 1920s home in New York has been restored to its original Spanish colonial look. Its location is proof that you don't need to live in a Mediterranean climate to enjoy this style, but note that the permanent plantings can take a colder winter. If you want to add tender plants, plant them in pots (terra-cotta, of course) and give them shelter during the cold months.

Decide on the design elements. This house is actually in Phoenix, but you'd think you were on a Tuscan patio with this amazing stonework. Both the water feature and urn are strong enough elements to not be overpowered by the surrounding walls, and their relative simplicity makes them stand out even more.

A classic Spanish-style courtward with the traditional pool is a cool and low-maintenance entry in this Southern California home. While most of the plantings are influenced by Mediterranean style, the hydrangeas prove it's possible to add some of your favorite plants, even if they aren't quite authentic.

An old-world wall fountain sits at the end of a pergola-covered patio. The look is traditional, with the terra-cotta fountain and backsplash and patterend blue tile, but there's a modern touch with the soft green, almost patinated, surround and the soft purple pots. The rustic beams overhead complement the pavers below.

Look for patio pavers with a Mediterranean feel and specialty tiles at landscaping supply stores and tile shops. If you live in a cold-weather climate, be sure the tiles you choose can stand up to the winter conditions.

A fountain is always good; on a chilly evening, an outdoor fireplace might be even better. There's a blend of styles happening here. The fireplace is almost Mission-style in looks, while the fountain is more classic Italian. Even so, the mix of plants and the pavers tie the space together.

The Spanish influence is obvious in this tile floor with blue inlay. Bright-color pots add to the overall feel, as do the vivid plants. Almost hidden in the surrounding foliage, a fountain adds the refreshring sound of splashing water.

Rustic steps leading to a terrace with wisteria hanging overhead could almost make you feel like you've managed to rent an Italian villa for a month in April. The entire space looks as if it's been there for at least a century or two, if not longer. Though age might cause some concern if you're navigating the steps, they're actually quite level. Gently curving the front of each riser with a slightly different arch gives the impression of antiquity while keeping them safe. For added security, a few hidden lights would help at night.

Finish the look. Sometimes all you need is a simple urn or two. In this Greek garden, matching pots hold a vine and a spreading grape, but you could easily fill pots like this with a dwarf fruit tree, flowers or bougainvillea. Another option would be to convert them to a water feature.

You could be walking a hillside in Greece or Italy, but you're actually traversing the path to a front door in the United States. The design is both pretty and practical. The "stones" in the path are recycled concrete. The boulders not only add a natural look to the space that plays off the concrete, but they also line a dry creek bed that provides drainage for runoff. The soft plant palette is drought tolerant, with pops of purple to draw the eye toward the house.

Planting note: Pink-flowered Mexican evening primrose is a great drought-tolerant choice, but it's also very invasive.